New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against a Brooklyn pet store, alleging it illegally sold hundreds of puppies in violation of the state’s ban on retail pet sales.
The lawsuit targets Quality Canines Inc., which operates as Puppy Boutique in Brooklyn. According to James, the business continued advertising and selling puppies for more than 18 months after the state’s Puppy Mill Pipeline Act took effect in December 2024.
The law permanently prohibits New York pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits in an effort to reduce animal abuse at commercial breeding facilities known as puppy mills and protect consumers from purchasing unhealthy animals.
The Attorney General’s Office alleges Puppy Boutique used social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, along with multiple websites, to advertise puppies for sale after the law went into effect.
According to the lawsuit, state agencies repeatedly warned the business about the law. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets notified the store in February 2024 that the ban would take effect later that year. The Attorney General’s Office sent a cease-and-desist letter in January 2025, followed by a cease-and-desist order from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in June 2025.
State officials allege the store attempted to avoid the law by claiming it was working with a nonprofit organization to facilitate adoptions. However, investigators say the organization was not registered with the state and obtained dogs directly from breeders, including known puppy mills.
As part of the investigation, an undercover investigator contacted Puppy Boutique in March 2025 about purchasing a Maltese puppy. According to the Attorney General’s Office, a store representative confirmed puppies were available, provided pricing information, sent photos of available dogs and told the investigator the puppy could be taken home the same day.
Attorney General James is asking the court to immediately stop Puppy Boutique from advertising or selling dogs in violation of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act.
“Pets are valued members of our families, and anyone who brings a new pet into their home deserves a healthy animal,” James said. “My office will continue to enforce the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act to ensure that animals across the state are protected, healthy, and free from mistreatment.”
